Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of a 10-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance. The Schaefer Family Campus is filled members of our congregation and their guests praying together and preparing for the new year. We also have children’s services geared toward specific age groups. Customs associated with the holiday include sounding the shofar, eating a round challah, and tasting apples and honey to represent a sweet New Year.

Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar,  means “Day of Atonement” and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance.  Listen to the sounds of the shofar and the inspiring words of our clergy on this solemn day. We also have children’s services geared toward specific age groups. 

Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah. As part of the celebration at Temple Beth El, the Torah scrolls are unravelled completely with each member of the congregation holding onto the Torah scroll as it creates a circle around the sanctuary.

Sukkot refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest. The beautiful sukkah sits on the bima at Temple Beth El and welcomes all to celebrate.

Purim is celebrated by reading the Scroll of Esther (M’gillat Esther), and with a fun and festive Purim Spiel, performed by Temple Beth El clergy and staff. Geared towards all ages, there’s usually a fun pizza party to follow!

Pesach, known as Passover in English is a major Jewish spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt over 3,000 years ago.  At Temple Beth El, we celebrate the second night of Seder together.

Chanukah is another one of our joyous holidays, an eight-day celebration of light during which Jews commemorate the victory of the Maccabees over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation and “rededication” of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Chanukah celebration at Temple Beth El is filled with music and the lights of many menorahs being lit together in joy.